Halong Bay Weather in September: Weighing the pros and cons

The best months to visit Halong Bay are from October to December but what if you only have free for travel in September and are worried about whether the weather is favorable?

The following article will provide you with all the necessary information to help you decide on your Halong Bay tour.

Overview of Halong Bay’s weather in September

There are two things to bear in mind about this month of the year: it is autumn and is still in the rainy season.

The autumn in Vietnam brings along cooler breeze and more comfortable weather than in the summer. The leaves start changing color before falling, creating a very distinctive natural scenery.

Generally, the weather is hot during the day but cools off during night time.

Meanwhile, during the rainy season, especially from July to September, visitors are met with daily downpours and even storms and typhoon.

September can be considered the transitional month from summer to autumn with the following traits:

• Temperature

The temperature in September is still very high but no longer blazingly hot and stuffy like in other months of summer. While the highest temperature can reach 35-40 C degree, the average temperature is around 28 C degree. At night, the temperature can drop to 25 C degree.

The sea water temperature also cools down considerably compared to the previous month so it is comfortable to swim.

• Sunlight

The average number of sunshine hours is 6 hours.

• Humidity

Visitors can expect the average humidity level of around 72%, which is a slight drop from summer.  As a result, it is more comfortable to take part in outdoor activities.

• Rainfall

September is still a wet month. While there are fewer daily downpours in September compared to July and August, it still has frequent rain showers and even typhoons. On average, it rains for 16 days.

Is it worth planning a trip to Halong in September?

It is obvious that many people hesitate to book a trip to Halong Bay during this time of the year for fear of frequent rainfall and risk of tour cancellation due to typhoons.

That is a valid concern but there are two worth-noting points: (1) it does rain quite frequently but also does not last long: just about 1-2 hours each time and (2) tour cancellation is actually quite rare.

There are much fewer occasions of very stormy weather and typhoons compared to the two previous months. After all, the weather itself is very unpredictable, even in the peak travel season of Halong.

This can be a hit or miss experience but how about being spontaneous and daring yourself on an adventure?  

On the plus side:

• Good deals and promotions

Normally in September, there will be fewer local tourists as it is the start of a new school year. Travel and cruise companies offer very good deals and promotions to attract tourists so you can enjoy the same luxuries at a much lower price.

With the low volume of visitors to serve than usual, you may get even better services and the place becomes more peaceful.

Bhaya Cruise is offering a special deal for 2 days Halong Bay cruises, grab your chance today!

• Splendid scenery

Halong is very beautiful all year round but its scenery is even more breathtaking during the fall with a crystal clear blue sky and sea water.

You should consider booking a cruise and spending at least a night there to immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of sunset and sunrise along the light breeze of fall.

Better yet, hop on a seaplane and have an astonishing bird’s eye view of this natural wonder.  This can serve as an excellent background for wedding or honeymoon pictures.

• Comfortable weather for outdoor activities

If you are keen on swimming and other activities in the water, traveling in September suits you just fine. You can try snorkeling, kayaking and visiting floating villages.

This is also a good time to catch squids, have them cooked for you on your cruise and enjoy them with some cool beer at night.

Useful tips for traveling to Halong Bay in September

– Checking weather forecast: because delay or cancellation due to bad weather can happen, you are strongly advised to keep in contact with your travel agent and cruise operator for an update about your trip.

You should prepare a backup plan to avoid wasting your time waiting during bad weather by looking up some hotels, dining places, or entertainment places.  

–  Preparing what to pack: the hot temperature of September in Halong can be uncomfortable for certain travelers so it is best to bring breathable clothes.

Just leave your thick coat and sweater at home. Don’t forget your swimsuit, a light raincoat, and some waterproof bags. If you easily get sunburnt, sunscreen is indispensable. A pair of sunglass is also a nice addition.

– Bringing a camera: last but not least, make sure you bring this item with you to record your wonderful experience in Halong.

Overall, September is a pretty good time to visit Halong Bay. If you are still concerned about the weather, you may consider booking your trip from mid-September onward.